With more weekends to celebrate safely, Busch Gardens is getting jazzed up with music, beads and more for open-air festivities with French-Quarter flair. Guests will have the opportunity to catch some beads from physically distant New Orleans street performers periodically strolling throughout the day. There will be plenty of room to dance through spacious walkways while enjoying festive tunes from live musicians while flavorful dishes and cocktails tempt the senses.

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras Dates and Times

The Mardi Gras celebration will be held select dates and run from noon to closing time. Most of those dates are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, with a few Mondays, and of course Fat Tuesday as well.

• January 16 noon-9pm
• January 17 noon-9pm
• January 18 noon-7pm
• January 22 noon-6pm
• January 23 noon-8pm
• January 24 noon-6pm
• January 29 noon-6pm
• January 30 noon-8pm
• January 31 noon-6pm
• February 5 noon-6pm
• February 6 noon-8pm
• February 7 noon-6 pm
• February 12 noon-6pm
• February 13 noon-8pm
• February 14 noon-8pm
• February 15 noon-8pm
• February 16 noon-5pm

Feast like Kings and Queens on Classic Cajun Cuisine at Busch Garden Mardi Gras

Busch Gardens has brought the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay with Mardi Gras-inspired food including a signature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya, and hot and fresh beignets. Handcrafted cocktail classics like Hurricanes join new signature drinks for a perfect pairing with the park’s carefully crafted culinary offering, which can be best enjoyed with a Mardi Gras Sampler Lanyard. Starting at $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard with a 10-punch option and an exclusive 12-punch lanyard for Pass Members, Sampler Lanyards make it easy for guests to embrace that “Fat Tuesday” feeling!

Returning Spring Events

Sesame Street Kids Weekends, January 30 – February 14

For kids and kids-at-heart, there are more special moments with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and the rest of their Sesame Street friends coming up this season! Fans won’t want to miss new physically distant celebrations for Elmo’s birthday and Valentine’s Day this year.

Food & Wine Festival, Friday to Sunday, February 20 – April 25

Taste buds will bloom this spring with a delicious menu of dishes and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park’s thrilling roller coaster collection. Guests will also enjoy a taste of local musical talent throughout the open-air festival to accompany their sweet and savory samples.

Busch Gardens Health and Safety

The Busch Gardens team has consulted with medical experts to offer modified events with required reservations and limited capacity for safe celebrations. All seasonal events feature open-air entertainment throughout the park’s more than 300 spacious acres as well as enhanced health and safety measures including increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, face covering requirements and physical distancing. Reservations are required and limited and can be made at www.BuschGardensTampa.com.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts on visiting Busch Gardens Right Now

We plan to attend Mardi Gras, not sure of which date yet. We purchased Busch Gardens Fun Passes last year on Black Friday. We attended Christmas Town in December, our favorite Busch Gardens event. I shared on my personal Facebook wall then, and I am sharing publicly here, if you have fears of crowds because of Covid, Busch Gardens isn’t the place for you.

I don’t know what percent of capacity they are at but, it was crowded, like a normal Christmas Town night. Workers were not enforcing the proper wearing of masks, as other theme parks are. There was an occasional message over the PA speakers reminding everyone to wear masks and social distance, but that was it.

There were few social distancing markers throughout the park, in ride queues, or in food areas. If you are immune compromised or living in fear, stay home. I am neither and I will be visiting again soon.

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The food and fun party atmosphere of the French Quarter Courtyard are not to be missed. The nightly Mardi Gras parade is amazing. We watched the parade near Mel’s Drive In and we got to see it twice, as it was going out and as it was coming back! I would definitely got for Mardi Gras again.

About Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 will run daily from Feb. 1 through April 2. For 16 select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music, including world-renowned, chart-topping DJ and producer, Marshmello, the multi-platinum international star behind global smash-hits “Despacito” and “Échame La Culpa,” Luis Fonsi, and best-selling American girl group of all time, TLC, known for mega hits such as “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” “Creep” and “Unpretty.” For the complete line-up and performance schedule, see below.

The party doesn’t stop there! Inspired by the all-new Treasures of the Deep theme, the nightly Mardi Gras parade runs throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida featuring intricately detailed floats, vivacious dancers and stilt performers with extraordinary costumes, and countless beads. This year, the parade will debut six new floats inspired by mystical creatures of the deep, the sunken city of Atlantis and more. All 12 hand-crafted floats are engineered by Kern Studios, the same company that has created floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947. And, fan-favorite floats, including the Riverboat and King Gator, will return with all-new décor celebrating 25 years of party.

Guests can enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine at The French Quarter Courtyard and performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street. New to this year’s event, guests can enjoy all-new food and beverage offerings at the Carnival Around the Universe tasting tent that will feature dishes inspired by carnivals worldwide with new menu items debuting bi-weekly throughout the event. And returning to this year’s event are fan-favorite add-on experiences, including the Bayou Boil, bringing guests an authentic New Orleans crawfish boil experience, as well as the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard which gives guests the chance to try a variety of classic New Orleans dishes throughout their visit – including gumbo, jambalaya, po boys and more.

2020 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Headliners

2020 Mardi Gras New Orleans Bands

As you can see, Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is so much fun! There are some great travel deals available for Universal this spring. I am a Universal Orlando Resort Specialist travel agent and I am here to help you, my services are free to you so just request a free quote.

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As part of this family-friendly version of the renowned New Orleans celebration, guests can enjoy a party animal-themed parade that will run nightly throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida, as well as sample new and returning authentic Cajun cuisine available as a tasting size at the French Quarter Courtyard.

For a limited time, Florida residents can experience Mardi Gras and the spring season with an exclusive 2-Park, 3-Day Base ticket offer for only $159.99. This offer is valid for admission to one park per day and is available for purchase through April 4 with a valid promo code from Coca-Cola^® or Coke^® Zero Sugar. Click here for complete details and additional ticket options.

I have never personally attended Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando, someday, I hope. I am a certified Universal Orlando travel agent and I am happy to help you plan your trip to Florida’s Biggest Party. Just Email Me and we will get started.

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 Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras  is now open for sale of its inaugural schedule for 2020. The Carnival Mardi Gras will begin sailing from Port Canaveral November 14, 2020.

Guests can choose from more than 20 different stateroom categories and multiple levels of spacious and luxurious suites, more than on any other Carnival ship.  A large range of stateroom options provides guests the opportunity to further personalize their vacation experiences and includes special staterooms and suites such as Family Harbor, Havana Cabana and Cloud 9 Spa accommodations, as well as a wide selection of suites, balcony, ocean view and interior staterooms.  Don’t forget to bring the items on my Top 10 Must Pack Cruise Essentials List.

Carnival Mardi Gras Inaugural Schedule

Mardi Gras will kick off its seven-day program from the Space Coast November 14, 2020, offering two different three-port, seven-day itineraries, alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean featuring some of the region’s most beautiful and popular ports. This is almost a month later than originally planned.

On December 20, 2020 Carnival announced that the ship will be delayed and it canceled several European and repositioning cruises as well as 4 sailings that were planned from port Canaveral.

“We have been working closely with Meyer Turku executives to keep the Mardi Gras delivery on schedule, and while we deeply regret disappointing our guests, this change in the delivery date is required to make sure all of the ship’s systems, features and technology will be fully operational, so that we can give our guests the vacation they expect,” said Ben Clement, Carnival Cruise Line’s senior vice president of newbuild. “Our commitment is to deliver a great and innovative ship, and Mardi Gras will definitely be that when it arrives in North America.”

Book Now

I am dreaming of cruising on the Mardi Gras, aren’t you? I may need to get together a quote and show it to Ron tonight! Would you like to cruise on the Carnival Mardi Gras? Just Email Me and we will start planning!

I am so excited to check out this huge ship! It has so many new amenities. Carnival is going to be sharing more of that info over the next few weeks so make sure you have liked my travel agent Facebook page so you won’t miss any of the information!

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The musical stars won’t be the only ones on display as a constellation-themed Mardi Gras parade will keep the good times rolling every night throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida with breathtakingly detailed floats, festive krewes of colorful dancers and stilt performers, and countless beads. Six new celestial floats – including Taurus, Virgo and Serpentarius – complete a lineup of 12 intricately hand-crafted floats engineered by Kern Studios, designer of the original New Orleans Mardi Gras floats for more than 50 years.

Guests will also enjoy mouthwatering shrimp po’boys, jambalaya, beignets and more at the French Quarter Courtyard while listening to authentic sounds of New Orleans straight from Bourbon Street.

2018 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Headliners

These concerts take place in the Music Plaza

• February 3-Sean Paul
• February 10-The Beach Boys
• February 17-Kelsea Ballerini
• February 24-Andy Grammer
• February 24-Macklemore
• March 3-311
• March 4-Phillip Phillips
• March 10-To be Announced
• March 17-Foreigner
• March 18-Fifth Harmony
• March 24-To be Announced
• March 25-BUSH

2018 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando New Orleans Bands

These concerts take place in the French Quarter Courtyard

• February 3 through February 20-Free Agents Brass Band
• February 21 through March 6-Naughty Professor Brass Band
• March 7 through March 20-New Breed Brass Band
  March 21 through March 31-Young Pinstripe Brass Band
  April 1 through April 7-Dirty Bourbon River Show

Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an annual pass. Florida Residents can get three months free on Power, Preferred and Premier Annual Passes with a UPC code from select Coca-Cola products. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.

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The 2017 Mardi Gras celebration is a family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans bash that features Cajun-style cuisine, authentic New Orleans flair, a spectacular parade, and – on select nights – live concerts by a star-studded lineup of musical artists covering everything from pop and R&B to rock and disco.

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2017 will run daily from Feb. 4 through March 25 – giving guests 50 nights to join the celebration. For 12 select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by nationally-recognized musical acts including award winning-multiplatinum selling Fifth Harmony, three-time GRAMMY Award winner NE-YO, superstar singer-songwriter Toby Keith and rock band Collective Soul. For the complete line-up and performance schedule, see below.

Guests can also enjoy authentic New Orleans-style cuisine at The French Quarter Courtyard and performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an Annual Pass. Florida Residents can get up to three months free on Power, Preferred and Premier Annual Passes with a Coca-Cola and Coke Zero UPC code or promo code on special marked packages. For more information on Mardi Gras, visit the website. I hope to see you there!

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Let the good times roll at Universal Orlando Resort’s 2016 Mardi Gras celebration. On select nights Feb. 6 through April 16, guests can top off their day in the theme parks with a family-friendly version of the famed “N’awlins” celebration at Universal Studios Florida – featuring delicious Cajun cuisine, a dazzling parade and 14 nights of exhilarating concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

This year’s star-studded concert lineup features a diverse array of talent with something for everyone to enjoy. Headliners include rock band Fall Out Boy, teen pop sensation Shawn Mendes, GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Adam Lambert, country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes and legendary entertainer Diana Ross.

This year’s Mardi Gras parade features 12 vibrant floats, including four new additions that celebrate different cultures and festivals from around the world – Venetian Carnival, Oktoberfest, 4^th of July and Rio de Janeiro Carnival. All of the exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats are engineered by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that has been hand-crafting floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947.  Plus, guests can visit Universal Studios Florida’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine and see performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida.  Florida Residents get up to three months free on any 2-park Annual Pass with a Coca-Cola UPC code or promo code on specially marked cups from participating Wendy’s restaurants. For more information on this special offer and Mardi Gras, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

I am available to help you plan your Universal Studios Florida Vacation! Just let me know.

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This year’s exhilarating concert lineup features an array of talent with something for everyone to enjoy. Headliners include English pop sensation Jessie J, who’s known for her hits “Price Tag” and “Bang Bang,” “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, who has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, and reggaeton superstar Yandel, who has had three songs reach the Top 10 Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart and a No. 1 album on the Top Latin Albums chart. Also performing is R&B artist Trey Songz, award-winning American country group The Band Perry, and the rock group American Authors, whose single “Best Day of My Life” was named the No.1 most played song in 2014 on Adult Pop Radio.

2015 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Talent-Lineup

Mardi Gras Event Dates & Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)

• February 7 – Olivia Newton-John
• February 14 – Jessie J
• February 15 – Barenaked Ladies
• February 21 – Kelly Clarkson
• February 28 – Heart
• March 7 – Trace Adkins
• March 13 – TBD
• March 14 – Styx
• March 15 – American Authors
• March 20 – Becky G
• March 21 – Yandel
• March 22 – The B-52s
• March 28 – TBD
• April 4 – The All-American Rejects
• April 11 – The Band Perry
• April 18 – Trey Songz

Guests will also have the opportunity to catch handfuls of colorful beads during this year’s rockin’ parade. The 12 exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats were engineered by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that has been hand-crafting floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947. Plus, guests can visit Universal Studios Florida’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine including Gumbo and New Orleans’ infamous Beignets, prepared fresh and hot. Guests will also get a chance to see performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. Guests can take advantage of an exclusive vacation package including the all-new Cabana Bay Beach Resort which starts at $139 per adult, per night, tax inclusive and includes 4-night on-site hotel accommodations, 2 day Park-to-Park ticket with the 3rd day free, Early Park Admission and more. For more information on the exclusive vacation package and Mardi Gras listing, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

Have you ever been to Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando? Would you like to go this year? Which band would you like to see?

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Mardi Gras 2013 will be highlighted by a concert series featuring 14 nights of performances by top-name artists, including chart-topping rock band Matchbox Twenty. Originally from Orlando, the four-time Grammy-nominated pop rock band has sold millions of albums worldwide and amassed loyal fans everywhere with hits such as “3 a.m.,” “Push,” “If You’re Gone,” and “She’s So Mean” from their new studio album which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. Matchbox Twenty will perform at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration on March 16, 2013.  The complete Mardi Gras concert line-up will be revealed in early 2013.

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade makes its way through Universal Studios.  The parade’s elaborate, hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

The celebration doesn’t stop there. Guests can also enjoy the soulful sounds of authentic New Orleans bands that travel straight from The Big Easy to Universal Orlando’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music for partygoers.  Inspired by the delicious dishes found in New Orleans, guests can also enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and more.

Mardi Gras is included with regular admission to Universal Studios. Florida residents can take advantage of the following special offer:

 Florida Resident Mardi Gras Special Offer Save over $30 off gate prices on multi-day tickets, online only, blackout dates apply.

To learn details about vacation packages available to Florida residents, call 1-877-801-9720. For more information about this year’s event, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

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In the all-new video (below), award-winning Universal Parks and Resorts Executive Chef Steven Jayson shares the step-by-step process that he uses to make the delicious jambalaya that has become a must-taste for Mardi Gras guests. The full recipe is included at the end of the demo. This is one of my noso-easy recipes.

Guests can enjoy the aroma and taste of jambalaya – along with other authentic Cajun dishes like gumbo, beignets and King Cake – at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. Festivities also include an elaborate parade, hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads and live performances by mega-talented artists.

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration runs Saturdays and other select nights through April 17 and is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida.

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